Wie alt bist du?
In German, how old are you? Is expressed as Wie alt bist du?
This phrase is a question used to ask someone about their age.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Wie (how), alt (old), bist (are) and du (you, singular informal).
Which one should you use?
German distinguishes between the informal du used with peers or children and the formal Sie used with strangers or superiors.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people you are on informal terms with, such as friends or children, use the plural informal form Wie alt seid ihr?
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use Wie alt bist du? with strangers or elders, which can be perceived as overly familiar or impolite. Use the Sie form instead.
Did you know?
- In German culture, asking an adult their age can be seen as more intrusive than in English-speaking cultures.
- The word alt comes from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to grow' or 'to nourish'.
Examples in context
- Hallo! Wie alt sind Sie?Hello! How old are you?
- Ich bin 45 Jahre alt. Und Sie?I am 45 years old. And you?
- Hey, wie alt bist du?Hey, how old are you?
- Alter, wie alt bist'n du?Dude, how old are you?
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are meeting for the first time at a party.
- JuliaHallo, ich bin Julia. Wie alt bist du?Hello, I am Julia. How old are you?
- MaximilianIch bin Maximilian und ich bin zwanzig.I am Maximilian and I am twenty.
- JuliaDas ist ja interessant!That is interesting!
- MaximilianUnd wie alt bist du, Julia?And how old are you, Julia?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alt, bist, du, wie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
